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From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler C. Priestley, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. - The Canvasser Recruiter (CANREC) Program is put in place to give Reserve Sailors a chance to be a Reservist recruiter for five years. The program is available to both enlisted and officers and gives Sailors an opportunity to get more involved with their local communities while supporting the Navy’s mission. Joining the Navy Reserve is a great option for people who want to serve their country, while also pursuing a civilian career. However, if there comes a time when a career on active duty sounds appealing, there are several opportunities that exist for Reserve sailors to make the switch. One of those opportunities recruiting. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Randy Isom, assigned to Commander, Navy Recruiting Command here, has been travelling to Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC) across the nation to educate Reserve Sailors about this opportunity. “We found out that a lot of Reservists were interested in recall orders, but they just didn’t know about the CANREC opportunity,” said Isom. “This is why we are trying to spread the word as much as possible.” Navy Recruiting Command is looking for individuals who are highly motivated and passionate about being recruiters. The goal is to not just fill quotas, but to find the best and most fully qualified applicants. Reserve Sailors are normally familiar with the civilian job market, and when talking to potential Sailors, their understanding of both worlds can offer a new perspective. “CANREC is actually a really big help because their input and their contributions are critical to the overall mission of the Navy,” said Isom. Qualifications for the CANREC program include; must be an active Selected Reservist at the time of recall, eligible for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, and meet rank requirements - E-4 to E-6 for enlisted and O-3 or below for officers. Selected Sailors are sent to Pensacola, Florida, for a 25-day recruiting skills course covering public speaking, prospecting, marketing and more. “If someone is interested in CANREC then they should get a hold of us,” said Bob Stolt, program manager for CANREC contracts. “We actually have funds to PCS sailors. So, if they are in the middle of nowhere and are interested in going somewhere like Florida then we can try to get them out there. They can go on their initial set of orders and we can try to have them stay for up to five years.” For more information on CANREC, see BUPERS instruction 1001.40 or contact your local Navy Reservist Recruiter at your NOSC. Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions, 16 Navy Recruiting Districts and 10 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,330 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

NORFOLK, Va. - Several Navy Reserve commands, units, and support centers across the Reserve force have been selected to participate in a test pilot program for eNavFit, a modern solution for all Navy Evaluation (EVAL) and Fitness Report (FITREP) processing. eNavFit is scheduled to replace NAVFIT98A by December 2021. The system will minimize the need for the hard copy routing process, reduce unit-level administrative hurdles, and automate submissions to the Performance Evaluations Division (PERS-32) for entry into Sailor Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) records. “This upgrade is what many Reserve Sailors and administration professionals have been waiting for,” said Rear Adm. John Schommer, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC). “eNavFit aligns with the Navy’s wholesale approach to identify, design, and implement modern information technologies to minimize the burden of everyday administrative processes. We’re are excited to test this new system on behalf of Navy Personnel Command and make life easier for all Sailors, active and Reserve.” eNAvFit Feature Highlights While eNavFit will operate through an online, web-based environment for shore commands, it will also account for the limited connectivity on surface ships, submarines, and other sea and operational commands. Both offline and online capabilities will allow local administrators to create, edit, delete, route, and validate performance appraisals, as well as allow reporting seniors to group and process summary group reports. The ability to export performance appraisals and correspondence to a transportable medium that can be emailed or passed by disk, with the capability to import information back into the system. Users of the offline interface may then either access an online system to upload documents, or print and mail documents to the NPC Performance Evaluations Division (PERS-32) for processing. "The idea of simplifying the evaluation and fitness report routing process from creation to completion is a welcome step in the right direction,” said Yeoman 1st Class Sara Baumlein, Leading Petty Officer for Command Services at CNRFC. “Knowing firsthand how cumbersome the performance appraisal process can be, especially for Reservists, I’m excited to see another system upgrade that will have a direct and positive effect on the Navy’s greatest asset — it’s Sailors.” eNavFit Rollout The pilot program will begin in July 2021 and extend through the regularly scheduled EVAL and FITREP cycles for several pay grades. “Having the Reserve Component be the first to use the new interface was a strategic decision,” said Lieutenant James Kelly, action officer for the Performance Evaluation Transformation at NPC. “We’re utilizing a phased rollout approach with eNavFit, and the Reserve Force allows us to perform as much testing as possible in a controlled manner environment at various Reserve units.” After completion of the pilot program, NPC will gather feedback and adjust the system as necessary for a fleet-wide user experience testing, with the active component Navy and subsequent rollout. eNAVFIT infographic: https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/Portals/35/Graphics/210518-N-NO301-001.pdf

CNN's Chris Cuomo talks to Sean Cahil, retired US Navy Chief Master-at-Arms, and Christopher Mellon, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, about the forthcoming government report on UFO sightings.

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker released a memo announcing specific actions towards the Department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The effort directs the Chief Diversity Officer of the Navy, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) (ASN (M&RA)), Ms. Cathy Kessmeier, to lead a Strategic Planning Team and develop an action plan to promote DEI in Department-wide policies, programs and operations. Harker’s memo formalizes guidance and establishes a framework to develop a strategic plan, identify actionable measures to integrate ongoing DEI efforts and recommend new initiatives.

SAN DIEGO — Almost 15 years ago, the U.S. Navy christened the first of a new class of warship designed to fight the Global War on Terror. The so-called littoral combat ships would be fast and agile, operating close to shore against missile-firing boats and small submarines. Today, the Navy has a new mission — or rather, has returned to its old mission, facing off against more capable warships deployed by China and Russia. And the service is still trying to figure out what to do with its $16 billion LCS fleet.

In early May, the US Special Operations Europe (SOCEUR) conducted its largest annual exercise in conjunction with a smaller one, training with special-operations units from several NATO member and partner countries. Trojan Footprint 21 and Black Swan 21 are especially pertinent as tensions with Russia in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea are still simmering.

This week on 60 Minutes, correspondent Bill Whitaker reported on unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs, more commonly known as UFOs. Whitaker interviewed two former Navy pilots, Cmdr. Dave Fravor and Lt. Cmdr. Alex Dietrich, who said they witnessed something "unsettling" and unexplainable while flying over the Pacific Ocean in November 2004. Fravor is a graduate of the TOPGUN naval flight program. He was a commander of the F/A-18F squadron on the USS Nimitz at the time of the encounter.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 141556Z MAY 21 MID200000857632U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 095/21 MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/CNO/MAY// SUBJ/INTERIM UPDATE ON DOD MASK GUIDANCE// REF/A/DEPSECDEF MEMO/13MAY21// REF/B/NAVADMIN/102035ZMAR2021// NARR/REF A IS DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM UPDATED MASK GUIDANCE FOR VACCINATED PERSONS. REF B IS NAVADMIN 059/21, GUIDANCE ON MASK WEAR AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC. RMKS/1. In accordance with reference (a), mask wear for fully immunized personnel (two weeks beyond final dose) is no longer required indoors or outdoors at DoD facilities. Immunized personnel should continue to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance regarding areas where masks should be worn. 2. This guidance applies only to fully immunized personnel. Unimmunized personnel will continue to comply with the provisions of reference (b). 3. Commanders and supervisors should not ask about an employee's vaccination status. 4. The best available medical and scientific data on risk to mission and current CDC guidance are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 5. OPNAV N3/N5 POC: CAPT Craig Mattingly, craig.mattingly@navy.mil. 6. Released by VADM P. G. Sawyer, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, OPNAV N3/N5.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

WASHINGTON - The call for Seaman to Admiral–21 (STA–21) program is out. Initial applications must be postmarked on or before July 1. The board is scheduled to meet in September. Here's what you need to know. The Navy's annual call for Seaman to Admiral–21 (STA–21) program applications is now on the streets. This year's board will meet in September, according to NAVADMIN 094/21 released on May 12. To be considered, initial applications must be postmarked on or before July 1. Navy officials recommend not waiting until the July 1 deadline. Instead, early submission is encouraged as it allows time for feedback to the Sailor if their package is missing required documents or if anything is not readable, the message said. Those needing additional documentation have until Aug. 1 to submit any additions to their applications. The message announced temporary changes to policy this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, impacts to the availability of college aptitude and fitness testing have resulted in exceptions to policy and alternate ways to fulfill those requirements and documentation. Because of COVID-19 and the cancellation of the last three Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) cycles, requirements for Cycle 1 2020, Cycle 2 2020 and Cycle 1 2021 have been waived. Instead, applicants who have not taken the PFA within the past year require their commanding officer's endorsement verifying the Sailor is currently within height and weight standards. Qualifying Scholastic Aptitude or American College tests scores are still required. However, because COVID-19 has limited testing availability in many areas of the country, those unable to complete either exam can apply with a command letter indicating testing was not available to them. In those cases, to be eligible, Sailors must provide their high school cumulative grade point average. For Sailors who graduated more than five years ago, they must have a minimum of 12 college credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Competition for quotas is keen. Of the 339 applications received for the fiscal year 2021, 318 were board eligible and 55 Sailors were selected. This year's panel will offer roughly the same opportunity. Those selected attend college full-time while collecting a paycheck at their current paygrade. The Navy covers tuition through an annual $10,000 stipend. The Sailor is responsible for any costs over that amount. Sailors can use the GI Bill to cover any difference. Critical to an applicant's package is a written, personal statement. "This is an opportunity for you to 'speak' in front of the selection board without physically being there," said Lt. Cmdr. Edward Kenneweg, who handles commissioning programs on the staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel. "It's also an opportunity to address any sort of adverse info, such as a low high school GPA." NAVADMIN 094/21 outlines specific items Sailors should address in the statement. For example, telling the board about sports or other high school activities helps paint a complete picture of the applicant. Discussing your motivation for becoming an officer and what you will bring to the wardroom as a prior-enlisted Sailor is also suggested. Just as crucial to what Sailors choose to say in their statement is how they write it. "The application is a reflection of the applicant," said Cathy Kempf, a retired Navy commander who heads selection and placement for STA-21 as well as Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). "Spelling and grammar count, so applicants should review their entire packages before submitting." One final change mentioned in the message is where Sailors send their packages. "Completed applications will no longer be sent to Pensacola, they’ll go to Naval Service Training Command in Great Lakes, IL," Kempf said. Details on this year's board specifics are available in NAVADMIN 094/21. This includes where to send completed applications, Sailor application requirements and command responsibilities in the screening process. Overall program requirements and application details — as well as program contacts — can be found at http://www.sta-21.navy.mil

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 121752Z MAY 21 MID200000848602U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 094/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAY// SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2022 SEAMAN TO ADMIRAL-21 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/14DEC09// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/171350ZJUL17// NARR/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1420.1B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL. REF B IS NAVADMIN 177/17, NUCLEAR TRAINED SAILOR APPLICATIONS TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS AND MODIFICATION TO FY- 19 NUCLEAR LIMITED DUTY OFFICER IN- SERVICE PROCUREMENT BOARD PROCESS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN solicits applications and provides guidance for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) commissioning program. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacting Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) availability and physical fitness assessment (PFA) testing, an exception to policy is approved for both the SAT/ACT and PFA requirements. Supplemental information for applicant submission is provided in subparagraphs 7.g and 7.h of this NAVADMIN. 2. STA-21 is a full-time undergraduate education and commissioning program open to enlisted personnel of all paygrades and ratings who meet the eligibility requirements specified in reference (a). 3. Deadline for submission of applications for the FY-22 STA-21 Program is 1 July 2021. Application packages must be postmarked on or before the deadline date. It is recommended that applications be mailed prior to the deadline as early submission allows timely feedback to the Sailor for submission of missing or illegible documents. Deadline for submission of additional documentation to an applicants package is 1 August 2021. No additional documents can be submitted after this date. The selection board is scheduled to convene in September 2021 and the selectees will be announced via NAVADMIN. 4. The following target options and core are open for application for the FY-22 selection board: Surface Warfare (SWO), Surface Warfare Engineering Duty (SWO/ED), Nuclear (Surface/Sub), Special Warfare, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Naval Flight Officer, Pilot, Civil Engineering Corps, Nurse Corps and Information Professional. 5. The following target options have zero select opportunity for FY-22: Human Resources, Intelligence, Information Warfare, Medical Corps, Supply Corps, Surface Warfare Officer/Information Professional (SWO/IP), Oceanography (OCEANO) and SWO/OCEANO. 6. The Nuclear (Surface/Sub) target option is now open to Sailors who are serving in the Fleet and hold an active nuclear Navy enlisted classification (NEC) (N1XO, N1XS, N2XO, N2XS) and to those Sailors who are in the nuclear training pipeline with the N91T NEC. Applicants holding a nuclear NEC must receive conditional release, in line with reference (b), if applying for an option outside the Nuclear community, from the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager (OPNAV N133D). All applicants for STA-21 nuclear option (STA-21(N)) must be able to begin their first day of class in the first semester of their course work prior to commencing their eighth year of service. See the STA-21(N) Program Authorization (PA 150A) dated May 2019 for more specific information and all other requirements to apply for the STA-21(N) program. Additionally, supplementary information applicable to this years STA-21(N) application is as follows: a. The Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) per reference (a), enclosure (1), Chapter 8, paragraph 6.b(9) is not required to be submitted for this application. A future revision of reference (a) will remove this requirement. b. The applicants photograph per reference (a), enclosure (1), Chapter 8, paragraph 6.b(10) is not required to be submitted for this application. A future revision of reference (a), will remove this requirement. 7. The following information addresses lessons learned from the FY- 21 STA-21 selection process and board. This information is provided to preclude common errors: a. Of the 339 applications received for FY-21, only 318 were board eligible. A total of 55 were selected to participate in the FY-21 STA-21 Program. b. Each year, packages are not considered due to non-qualifying SAT/ACT scores, missing CO endorsement/recommendation, recent non- judicial punishment, missing or illegible submission of documents, and not meeting program age or PFA requirements. For FY-22, a new non-qualifying basis would be not meeting authorized exception to policy criteria for SAT/ACT and PFA. c. Minimum eligibility requirements must be met before submitting an application. Applications should be mailed only when fully completed. Officer interview boards shall consist of three officers, the applicants CO may not be a board member and should not submit an interview appraisal sheet, the COs personal interview should be conducted only after the application is complete and the officer interview board has submitted their appraisals. The full picture of an applicants academic and officer potential can only be determined by reviewing the SAT/ACT scores (if available), high school/college transcripts, and a completed application package. d. The COs endorsement is extremely important, especially the ranking of the individual among his/her peers. The endorsement should contain specifics about the individuals academic potential, commitment, leadership, service above self and potential as a naval officer. CO comments should specify the primary option to which the individual is applying and address how the individual meets qualifications for that option. For junior Sailors with only schoolhouse evaluations, the CO must address this issue in his/her endorsement. e. An interview board and nomination review board shall be conducted in line with reference (a). It is recommended that officers of the applicants designator of choice, if available, be asked to participate in the interview/nomination review board to assess the applicant for their community. Officer appraisals provide important insight on the applicant. The appraisal from the board should be a frank and honest assessment of the applicants leadership and academic potential. Appraisal forms should be typed in 10 or 12 point font. f. The applicants personal statement should address why the Sailor wants to become an officer, how the Sailors selection would improve the Navy, and why the Sailor is applying for a specific option. Sailors must also address any hardships or unique experiences that shaped their character. Junior Sailors should provide information on high school experiences as high school transcripts rarely provide in-depth information on involvement in sports, clubs, volunteer hours, work, etc. Additionally, applicants should address any anomalies in the package (e.g., poor high school grades, college grades, or service school grades, poor evaluation performance). The explanation should include details of the situation, how the applicant has overcome these issues, and why the applicant will be successful in the future. g. The application is a reflection of the applicant. Applicants must review their packages in their entirety before submitting. Check for misspelled words and improper grammar. Ensure all transcripts (high school and all colleges) are enclosed. In an effort to minimize risk from COVID-19 exposure, the PFA requirements for Cycle 1 2020, Cycle 2 2020 and Cycle 1 2021 have been waived. For applicants who have not taken the PFA within the past year, the COs endorsement must include a statement verifying the applicant is currently within height and weight standards. h. Qualifying SAT/ACT scores are required, however due to recent events, applications can still be submitted either pending receipt of SAT/ACT scores or with a command statement indicating non-availability. SAT/ACT scores can be from exams taken between 1 July 2018 and 1 July 2021 (3 years), should the Service Member have a later opportunity to complete the exam. If the applicant is unable to complete the SAT/ACT exam, applicants may still submit an application with a command letter indicating non-availability of SAT/ACT exam opportunity. Applicants without a SAT/ACT score should ensure their high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) is within the last 5 years OR cumulative college GPA with more than 12 semester hours and a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. i. It is recommended that the command retain a copy of the entire application package. The command portion of the application should not be given to the applicant. 8. Mail completed applications to: Commander Naval Service Training Command (N92/STA 21) 2601A Paul Jones St Great Lakes IL 60088-2845 9. For questions, specific details, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and selection procedures, refer to reference (a), contact your command career counselor, or visit the MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/career-planning and selecting the Commissioning Programs link for the most up-to-date STA-21 information. 10. Point of contact is Naval Service Training Command, STA-21 Program Office, at (847) 688-4607 ext 124 DSN 792 or via e-mail at pnsc_sta21(at)navy.mil. Point of contact for the nuclear target option policy change is the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager, OPNAV N133D at (703) 604-5491/DSN 664 or via e-mail at bullnuke(at)navy.mil. 11. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

FY-22 Active Duty and Reserve Senior Enlisted Advancement Selection Board Precept

CNRFC CMDCM Announcement Message By Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command Public Affairs – Shipmates, It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Command Master Chief Nicole C. Rios on her selection to become the next Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command later this summer. Rios will be joining our team at a critical point in our Reserve Force’s transformation. As we move our force away from the War on Terrorism to one that delivers strategic depth in today’s Great Power Competition, we will need strong leaders like her to help us execute our mission, ensure the success of the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions, and take care of our Sailors. She will have big shoes to fill. Command Master Chief Tracy L. Hunt has truly reinforced our mission and vision of developing leaders and Sailors throughout his entire tour, and I look forward to seeing him become our next Navy Reserve Force Master Chief later this year. Command Master Chief Rios, a native of Springfield, Mass., comes to CNRFC from Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One, San Diego, Calif. She has served at Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Two, Brunswick, Maine; Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Twelve, Williamsburg, Va.; Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Thirteen, Great Lakes, Ill.; Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center Providence, R.I.; Naval Air Station Atlanta, Ga.; Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.; and CNRFC, Norfolk, Va. Her Command Master Chief tours include Navy Operational Support Center Ventura County, CA, and MESG-1. With the additional expertise, experience, and unique perspectives that Command Master Chief Rios will bring to the table, there is no limit to the things our Navy Reserve can achieve. Welcome Aboard Master Chief! Rear Adm. John Schommer, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force

TOKYO — Three U.S. service members were arrested on suspicion of illegally entering Japanese homes in two unrelated incidents over the weekend, one south of Tokyo and the other on Okinawa, according to Japanese police. A sailor identified by police as Tanner Nicholas Moseley, 20, was taken into custody at 8:12 p.m. Sunday on suspicion of trespassing into a home in the Shiomidai area of Yokosuka city, a Kanagawa prefectural police spokeswoman said Tuesday.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 101401Z MAY 21 MID200000840006U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 091/21 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/DNS/MAY// SUBJ/2020 FLEET AWARD WINNERS// REF/A/DOC/CNO/14MAR2016// AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 3590.11G.// RMKS/1. It is a pleasure to announce the winners of the 2020 Fleet Awards. 2. The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy awards recipients for their outstanding improvement in battle efficiency. The 2020 winners are: a. U.S. Fleet Forces: USS GEORGIA (BLUE)(SSGN 729) b. Pacific Fleet: USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) 3. The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award recognizes superior performance in the battle efficiency competition. The 2020 winners are: a. U.S. Fleet Forces: USS PIONEER (MCM 9) b. Pacific Fleet: USS WHIRLWIND (PC 11) 4. I commend the winning crews for their exemplary dedication to battle efficiency and warfighting. BRAVO ZULU! 5. Released by Mr. Andrew S. Haeuptle, Director, Navy Staff.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of 13 armed speedboats of Iran's Revolutionary Guard made “unsafe and unprofessional” high-speed maneuvers toward U.S. Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter fired warning shots when two of the Iranian boats came dangerously close, U.S. officials said.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. Navy announced Sunday it seized an arms shipment of thousands of assault weapons, machines guns and sniper rifles hidden aboard a ship in the Arabian Sea, apparently bound for Yemen to support the country’s Houthi rebels.

The aircraft carrier Gerald Ford has wrapped up its post-delivery test and trials. The year-and-a-half-long trials, which commenced in October 2019, included certifying the flight deck, embarking the air wing and many other tasks, the Navy said.

Former Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite spent roughly $2.4 million on air travel during his eight-month tenure under the Trump administration, traveling to 22 destinations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. USA TODAY reported that Braithwaite, who was sworn in last May and resigned when President Biden took office on January 21, traveled to more foreign and domestic locations than any other senior Pentagon civilian.

WASHINGTON - A Racine, Wisconsin native and 2019 American Military University graduate currently assigned to Naval Base San Diego was selected as the fiscal year 2020 Shore Enterprise Sailor of the Year during a Facebook Live event, May 6. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Erin Ripley was selected from among 70 other installation Sailor of the Year recipients to earn the prestigious award. “Congratulations to MA1 Erin Ripley, our CNIC Sailor of the Year! Our region and installation Sailors of the Year represent the best of the best and are all deserving of our thanks and admiration,” said Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command. “They have accomplished some incredible things in their Navy careers with the encouragement from their families and other support networks. To the families of these incredible Sailors, thank you for your support and service. Thank you for all you do for our Navy and our nation.” Ripley, representing Commander, Navy Region Southwest, was among the four finalists who went before the CNIC Sailor of the Year board conducted by a panel of senior enlisted leaders. “There's a phrase we say among each other, ‘Nobody goes undefeated at Naval Base San Diego,” said Ripley. “The pace, volume, scope and tempo are a constant challenge that requires teamwork, and the culture our leadership has developed not only reveals the best in Sailors, but challenges them to grow. There are constant lessons and continual growth.” The other three candidates who competed for the CNIC award were Master-at-Arms 1st Class Trenton McKibben, from Lady Lake, Florida representing Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central Command; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Elizabeth Bowman, from Athens, Ohio representing Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic; and Master-at-Arms 1st Class Tracy Shaw, from Inverness, Florida representing Commander, Navy Region Japan. “The greatest lessons from growing up in my hometown which has helped me succeed in the Navy is that nothing in life is ever given, you must work hard and earn all that you have,” said McKibben. “After your hard work pays off, it doesn't end there, continue to reach back to those who are still struggling and help them get to where you are or help guide them to strengthen their own path.” “Serving in the Navy also means that I can pass on my knowledge and the mentor-ship advices to junior Sailors who have the same goal as me 16 years ago and strengthens our Navy for the future Sailors,” said Bowman. “I have learned how to be a team player, a team builder, a motivator and also a leader. The Navy has taught me to be resilient to changes and how to effectively work through those changes, and how to recognize a problem and come up with a way to fix it.” “When I joined the Navy in 2002, I was a 17 year old shy and quiet girl from a small town,” said Shaw. “The Navy has built me into a Strong and Confident Woman that travels the world. I have learned not to doubt your capabilities or those of the people around you. The Navy has instilled in me to give 100% in everything I do, no task deserved nothing but excellence.” Due to COVID-19 health precautions, Sailors conducted their final boards and attended the announcement ceremony virtually. They competed in a final board that tallied traits in job performance, contributions to command climate, peer group involvement, educational accomplishments, physical fitness standards and participation in community service activities. “A Sailor of the Year has a history of superior performance, contributes to the mission of the command, is dedicated to self-improvement and motivated to succeed and develop those they are privileged to lead,” said CNIC Force Master Chief Greg Vidaurri. “Basically, they are superheroes without a cape.” Ripley has served in the Navy for more than 12 years, starting her naval career as a master-at-arms in 2008. Her previous duty assignments include Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Navy Operational Support Center San Diego; NOSC Springfield, Missouri; Naval Expeditionary Logistics Group Forward Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; Naval Station Norfolk; and Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa. “I'm third generation military and heavily influenced by my father (retired U.S. Coast Guard chief warrant officer),” said Ripley. “I'm not sure I understood at the time, but I saw his level of dedication and affinity working for something bigger than himself. I don't think I ever considered another line of work and it wasn't an expectation he placed on me; I simply recognized I wanted to care as much about my career path as he did. Fast forward to today, that is why I remain serving in the Navy; it isn't just a career, it is a lifestyle and as much a part of my identity as being a mother, daughter, sister, or friend.” In 1972, the Chief of Naval Operations established the SOY Program to recognize one Sailor who represents the best of the Navy in professional and personal dedication. By 1982, the program was expanded to recognize four Sailors, two serving at sea in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, a Sailor representing the shore establishments and a Navy Reservist of the Year. In 2020, the CNO further expanded the program to recognize 18 Sailors which will be meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer. Under the CNO, Navy Installations Command is responsible for providing support services for the fleet, fighter and family with more than 52,000 military and civilian personnel under 10 regions and 70 installations worldwide.

WASHINGTON - Chief of Navy Reserve Announces 2020 Reserve Sailor of the Year. It gives me great pleasure to announce the selection of Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 1st Class Kody Sims as the 2020 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year. Sims is currently assigned to Fleet Logistic Support Squadron Five Five, Fleet Logistics Support Wing, Commander Naval Air Forces Reserve. Our other finalist was Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ronnie Heen of Force Headquarters Group, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve As a result of his selection, Sims will be recommended to the Chief of Naval Personnel for meritorious advancement to the rank of chief petty officer per the OPNAVINST 1700.10P, Navy Sailor of the Year Program. Competition at this level was extremely close. Both Sailors represented their units, and the Navy, extremely well and should be very proud of their professional and personal achievements. Well done and congratulations to these stellar performers as well as those who we expect to see in the coming years. I would like to add a very special thank you to the families and employers who supported each candidate for Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year

The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for high-demand jobs to Veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep reading to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

VA is extending debt relief for Veterans through September 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. VA will suspend collection of all Veteran benefit overpayments incurred between April 6, 2020, and September 30, 2021. No adverse actions or collection attempts will occur during this suspension period. Additionally, all copayments for medical care and pharmacy services incurred from April 6, 2020, through September 30, 2021, will be cancelled, along with any fees or interest. Any payments for this time period will be refunded.

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The Navy is offering as many as three years’ early separation to sailors in some “overmanned” rates and career fields before the end of fiscal year 2021, according to a Navy administrative message released Tuesday. The service exceeded its retention goals in FY 2020 and announced a select list of ratings would qualify for early separation, according NAVADMIN messages in December and January. The list includes boatswain’s mate, culinary specialist and hospital corpsman.

WASHINGTON — Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that new data about sexual assaults and command climates throughout the service softened his stance against changes to how the military prosecutes those cases. Milley told reporters at the Pentagon that his opinion was “significantly influenced” by recent data “about the confidence in the chain of command by junior soldiers — men and women alike — in their ability to deal successfully with sexual assault.”

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 041859Z MAY 21 MID200000823716U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 087/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAY// SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2021 EARLY RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY IN LIEU OF FORCED CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA UPDATE// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/192000ZNOV20// REF/B/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/13JAN20// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 307/20, MODIFICATION TO EARLY SEPARATION POLICY NAVADMIN CANCELLATIONS. REF B IS MILPERSMAN 1440-011, FORCE CONVERSION.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN modifies reference (a) by expanding early separation eligibility criteria, specifically for early separation from Active Duty in lieu of forced conversion. All other early separation policy contained in reference (a) remains in effect. The policy update contained in this NAVADMIN is only authorized for fiscal year 2021. 2. Effective immediately, force conversion policy is expanded to update the minimum contract time remaining on Sailors soft expiration of active obligated service from 12 to 36 months for those who wish to separate from Active Duty in lieu of forced conversion. As outlined in reference (b), requests must contain a statement of understanding that any unearned bonuses will be recouped and separation pay will not be authorized. Separations must occur no later than 30 September 2021. 3. Enlisted Community Managers (BUPERS-32), in coordination with Distribution Assignment Branch (PERS-40), are authorized to approve such requests barring any negative impacts to sea duty. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any request that would negatively impact sea duty manning will be disapproved. 4. Navy remains committed to ensuring Fleet readiness by providing well-trained Sailors in the right paygrade with the right skills and experience at the right time. 5. Questions and concerns regarding these policy changes may be referred to MyNavy Career Center at askmncc(at)navy.mil or 1-833-330-MNCC(6622). 6. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//